YREKA – During its regular meeting on Tuesday, the Yreka Union School District (YUSD) Board of Trustees voted unanimously to deny a petition for the establishment of Hope Charter School in Yreka.

Pedro Abeyta, a longtime educator and school administrator, submitted the petition to the district on Oct. 10. The board of trustees held a public hearing in consideration of the petition on Oct. 30, as the California Education Code requires charter school petitioners to gain authorization from their respective school districts.

Abeyta was present at the Tuesday meeting when the petition was denied.

Hope Charter School, if approved, would have served kindergarten through eighth grade home school students utilizing the Thomas Jefferson Education model. Core subject classes (mathematics and language arts) would have been held three days a week in Yreka for students whose parents have difficulty teaching those subjects, and for students who are not meeting benchmarks.

During the two-hour public hearing on Oct. 30, several community members spoke in favor of the establishment of the charter school. However, when YUSD Superintendent Dave Parsons, business manager Karen Gosting and board members inquired about financial preparation and the school’s curriculum, Abeyta stated that fundraising efforts were still in the works and the curriculum plan had not been established for the school he hoped to open next fall.

On Tuesday prior to the vote, the board adopted the Findings of Fact report regarding the petition, which was prepared by YUSD staff.

The report referenced California Education Code 47605(b), which states that a governing board may not deny a petition unless it is not satisfied that granting the charter is consistent with sound educational practice.

“District staff has identified a number of significant deficiencies in the petition, including but not limited to deficiencies in the charter school’s proposed education program and the charter school’s proposed operating budget and financial projections,” stated the report. “In sum, petitioners have not provided evidence of a feasible educational program that can be successfully implemented. The deficiencies on the face of the petition are simply too significant to permit approval.”

The report stated that staff recommended the board deny the petition on the grounds that the charter school presented an unsound educational program, the petition did not contain reasonably comprehensive descriptions of certain required elements, and the petition did not contain the required number of signatures.

At the meeting, Parsons stated, “I recommend the board adopt the findings and at this point deny the Hope Charter petition.”

“I move the board reject the petition for the charter school,” stated board member Marcus Issoglio. However, he noted that he believed the petition was “very well thought out,” and he told Abeyta that he supports the establishment of a charter school in Yreka.

Page 2 of 2 - Board member Taunya Larsen stated that she believes Abeyta’s petition presented a great idea, and that the school would provide much-needed support to families who choose to home school their children. She commented that she would like to see some of the issues addressed and for the petition to be brought back to the board for consideration at a future date.

Board chairwoman Jamie Kimball agreed. “I think there are students out there who need alternative education,” she commented.

“I really do think you have the students’ best interests in mind,” said board member Cherie Jones. Thank you for coming before us.”

Following their statements, the board voted to deny the petition.

During a follow-up interview with Abeyta, he said he is thankful that the school board, Parsons and district staff took the time to conduct a thorough review of the petition.

“Their constructive criticism will serve to help in the further development of the school, which will serve students who need an alternative educational approach. This remains my passion,” Abeyta said.